Heath Ledger didn't update his will

[underpants]

Ledger's will leaves nothing to daughter

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080311/ap_on_en_mo/heath_ledger;_ylt=Alf4SFKEe5oa9CVYCE4b3Gu2GL8C

NEW YORK - Heath Ledger's will leaves nothing to his former girlfriend and their 2-year-old daughter because it was never updated after they became part of his life.


A copy of the three-page will, filed in Manhattan Surrogate Court, shows the 28-year-old Australian actor left everything he owned to his parents and three sisters. Kim Ledger, the actor's father, has said the family would make sure the actor's former girlfriend, actress Michelle Williams, and that their 2-year-old daughter, Matilda Rose, would be provided for, according to published reports.

Ledger's will has already been offered for probate in Australia, according to an affidavit by his lawyer, Harvey E. Corn. The document, filed in 2003, offers no hint at the size of the estate.

Papers filed with the will list the "Brokeback Mountain" star's New York City belongings, valued at $145,000. That amount includes a $25,000 Toyota Prius, $20,000 in furniture and fixtures, and $100,000 in miscellaneous bank accounts.

Ledger's only outstanding debt was the February rent due on the Broome Street apartment where he died Jan. 22 of an accidental overdose of prescription medication.

[mondo joe]

1. That's what challenges are for. NT

[Crazy Dave]

2. State laws

I know that here in Florida if you have children from a previous marriage and buy a home 15 years after a divorce, your kids still will get ownership of that home until they turn 18, will or no will, that's the law.

[eyesroll]

3. Most states provide for a share for pretermitted (born after a will) children.

They assume people don't want to disinherit their children, and that failing to execute a new will is just an oversight (nobody expects to die when they have young children). Most states also provide for pretermitted spouses, too, but not non-marital (or civilly united, in states that recognize civil unions) partners. So I would think, even if the family wasn't going to cooperate, Matilda would be entitled to a share of her father's estate. Michelle, no.

[huskerlaw]

4. I think it depends on Australia's laws

the article says the probate was being conducted in Australia.

[DS1]

5. freaking Joker

:hide:

[1gobluedem]

6. His father says baby and mother will be taken care of

I read in the paper today that Kim Ledger, Heath Ledger's father, says they consider baby Matilda and Michelle Williams part of their family and they will always take care of them.

[noonwitch]

7. His family seem like decent people-they will make sure their grandchild is taken care of

Its not like Michelle Williams is poor, either. The child will get her share.